Commanders enter preseason Week 2 with roster questions to answer

The Washington Commanders head to Detroit on Saturday for their second preseason game, with several position battles still to be decided as roster cuts approach quickly.

Washington enters the matchup coming off a 20-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins, while Detroit is looking for its first preseason win after falling to the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-14, in Week 1. But unlike last week's matchup, Washington's players could face a much different test in Detroit.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed this week that he plans to play "a significant number of starters," allowing Washington's players to test themselves against Detroit's first-team unit.

With the preseason schedule limited to three games, Saturday could be Dan Quinn's final opportunity to give Washington's starters extended playing time before the regular season, as teams often limit starter reps in the preseason finale.

One position to keep a close eye on will be the quarterback.

Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow in Week 9 last season, returned in Week 14, re-aggravated the injury and was shut down for the final three games. He has yet to take a competitive snap this preseason. That leaves Quinn with a decision: give his starting quarterback live game action before the regular season or prioritize his health.

Marcus Mariota also suffered a sprained MCL in last week's victory over the Dolphins, ending his preseason. While Washington remains optimistic Mariota will be healthy for Week 1, his absence leaves Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis in line for extended opportunities against Detroit.

Hartman and Kaliakmanis split the bulk of the snaps in Week 1, combining for 25 of Washington's 27 pass plays. However, the Commanders found most of their offensive success on the ground, led by rookie running back Kaytron Allen.

Allen carried the ball 23 times for 85 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins, making a strong case for additional opportunities as Washington continues to evaluate its running back depth.

Washington's ground success against Miami was also a reflection of the work up front.

Among those players is 2026 sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin, who has emerged as a versatile option for the Commanders. Gulbin spent his collegiate career at center but has also begun taking reps at guard. Quinn told reporters earlier this week that Gulbin "will get some work at guard," adding that the former Michigan State product "had a nice practice and game last week" and "showed some good things and knows how to get into the second level."

That versatility could become increasingly valuable as Washington adjusts to the loss of Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is expected to miss most of the season with a torn triceps. While Gulbin may not be a direct replacement for Tunsil, his ability to contribute at multiple positions could provide the offensive line with valuable depth as the Commanders continue to search for their best combination.

The offensive line remains a work in progress, but Washington has already settled one position battle.

After using three different kickers last season, the Commanders believe they have found their answer in undrafted rookie Drew Stevens. Stevens and Jake Moody spent the offseason competing for the job, but after a strong training camp and Week 1 performance, Stevens earned the starting spot.

"I thought Drew established himself," Quinn said, according to Commanders.com. "Thought he's been kicking it pure and clean ... I thought he earned it. And so, we're moving forward."

With Stevens' position settled but several other roster battles still ongoing, Saturday's matchup will provide Washington with another opportunity to separate the players who have made their case from those still fighting for a spot. Against a Detroit team expected to feature many starters, the Commanders will get a clearer indication of how their roster hopefuls respond to increased competition before the regular season begins.

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